Tom J. Bordonaro Jr.

Tom J. Bordonaro Jr. (born March 22, 1959) is an American politician serving as the Assessor of San Luis Obispo County, California, since 2002. A Republican, he served two terms in the California State Assembly from 1994 to 1998, making him the first wheelchair-user to be elected to the legislative body.

Early life and education

Born in Fullerton, California, his father's family is from Italy and his mother's family came to California from East Texas during the Dust Bowl. Bordonaro graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in agricultural management and a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of California, Davis.

In his first year of college, Bordonaro was left a quadriplegic after breaking his neck in a car crash.

Career

Bordonaro was elected to the California State Assembly in 1994 representing the 33rd district, representing parts of the lower Central Coast. He was the first wheelchair-user elected to the legislative body.

Bordonaro ran in the 1998 special election replacing Walter Capps, who died of a heart attack after taking office. Considered the more conservative candidate, he won the Republican nomination over Newt Gingrich-endorsed Assemblyman Brooks Firestone. Gerald Ford had previously described Bordonaro as an "extremist" for his stance on abortion and Democratic nominee Lois Capps used the quote in media attacks against him. Capps, Walter's widow, ultimately won with 53.46% to Bordonaro's 44.78% of the total vote. He ran in the regularly scheduled general election and lost again.

He was elected San Luis Obispo County Assessor in 2002, defeating 25-year incumbent Dick Frank, and has been unnoposed in every election besides 2018.

Electoral history

1998 (special)

1998

Personal life

Bordonaro and his wife, Martha, live on a farm in Paso Robles. The couple have four children and two grandchildren.